When Jane Jacobs wrote about the beauty of a front porch, I can’t help but imagine she was referring to 38 Wells, a south-facing beauty lit on four sides, just around the corner from her own home. The Annex’s most inviting porch, along with the beautifully renovated home attached to it, is for sale. Renovated to suit modern family life, this Annex beauty is a classic with contemporary conveniences, bright with natural light, unusually wide and spacious.

Once you pass the threshold of the large, deep covered porch, the magic continues. Picture a big and bright living space with light streaming in from all directions. Not possible in the Annex? Think again. This ain’t no long, skinny semi. It is, rather, a 25’ wide detached house on a 34’ lot with generous, energy-efficient windows all the way to the third floor. And there’s more... much more.

One can’t help but note the attention to care and detail throughout this beautiful home, such as the refinement of oiled cherry wood millwork and soapstone kitchen counters combined with the comfort of heated washroom floors, a 21st century roof shingled for both durability and environmental responsibility, not to mention the Mercedes of furnaces, renowned for its efficiency and sophistication of design. Then there is the open concept kitchen, family and dining area that is connected directly to a huge, private outdoor deck through the back. And above, picture an expansive master bedroom with Juliette balcony, his and her closets, and separate shower and bath in the en suite, including marriage saving double sinks! Four other rooms offer bedrooms that vary in shape and size, all with their own virtues. Modern conveniences abound, like the laundry room, conveniently placed amongst the beds and baths while still being tucked far enough away that you don't hear a thing.

The skylit third floor is surprisingly bright and open, especially for an un-renovated space. Comprised of two large rooms, with generous storage closets and yet another full bath, it is already perfectly suited for an added play space, movie nights, a quiet work retreat, private guest quarters - you name it.

There are Annex houses, and then, every once in the while, there’s a house that defines what it means to live in the Annex. All the warmth and beauty of a quiet, spacious family home, with accessibility to parks, shops and restaurants just blocks away. Sometimes, when you feel like you have looked at 100 houses that just aren’t right, a surprise comes along and you can't believe your luck. Visit 38 Wells Street. This could be the surprise you’ve been waiting for.

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With a WALKSCORE of 98 out of 100 and a rider score of 100, it is a walker's paradise where daily errands do not require a car.

THE BETTER WAY x 3

Centered between three subway stations on the University and Bloor line, it is about a seven minute walk to either Bathurst, Spadina, or Dupont Stations. This way, on the odd occasion when you can't walk or bike to your destination, you can easily subway there.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS (toronto style)

In case your front porch and large back yard isn't enough outdoor space for you, this home is just two houses away from the 1 square acre Sibelius Park, a popular square with a gated children's play area, picnic benches, and an open field that converts to an ice rink in the winter.​

There is no excuse for not living healthily here when surrounded by organic food at the Annex Farmer's Market, Fiesta Farms, Karma Coop, Organics on Bloor, Noah's, Fresh, Wychwood Barns Market, yoga studios numbered in the double digits and community centres like the JCC, St Alban's and Bill Bolton.​